Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Berkeley County, West Virginia
Berkeley County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,215 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,233 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.37 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,215
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 17% more than in West Virginia
- Typical rent
- $1,233
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 41% more than in West Virginia
- Wage needed
- $23.37
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $48,600 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 48%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 2% less than in West Virginia
Only here
Renting in Berkeley County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Berkeley County has the highest typical rent of the 55 counties in West Virginia: $1,233.
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At $80,815, Berkeley County ranks 2nd among the 55 counties in West Virginia for the highest typical household income.
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Berkeley County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,233, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Jefferson County ($1,108).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Berkeley County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Berkeley County was $1,757 a month in September 2026: 3.8% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $884 | $17.00 | $35,360 |
| 1 bedroom | $949 | $18.25 | $37,960 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,215 | $23.37 | $48,600 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,682 | $32.35 | $67,280 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,913 | $36.79 | $76,520 |
HUD area: Martinsburg, WV HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 12 ZIP codes in Berkeley County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,110 in 25401 to $1,510 in 25405. 8 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,215).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 25401 | Martinsburg, WV | $770 | $880 | $1,110 | $1,540 | $1,760 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25403 | Martinsburg, WV | $950 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,810 | $2,060 |
| 25404 | Jefferson County, WV | $890 | $950 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $1,920 |
| 25404 | Martinsburg, WV | $890 | $950 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $1,920 |
| 25405 | Martinsburg, WV | $1,100 | $1,180 | $1,510 | $2,090 | $2,380 |
| 25413 | Martinsburg, WV | $950 | $1,020 | $1,310 | $1,810 | $2,060 |
| 25419 | Martinsburg, WV | $860 | $920 | $1,180 | $1,630 | $1,860 |
| 25420 | Martinsburg, WV | $970 | $1,060 | $1,340 | $1,810 | $2,150 |
| 25421 | Martinsburg, WV | $890 | $950 | $1,220 | $1,690 | $1,920 |
| 25427 | Martinsburg, WV | $880 | $970 | $1,210 | $1,650 | $1,930 |
| 25427 | Morgan County, WV | $880 | $970 | $1,210 | $1,650 | $1,930 |
| 25428 | Martinsburg, WV | $980 | $1,050 | $1,350 | $1,870 | $2,130 |
- 25401 · Martinsburg, WV $1,110$1,540
- 25403 · Martinsburg, WV $1,310$1,810
- 25404 · Jefferson County, WV $1,220$1,690
- 25404 · Martinsburg, WV $1,220$1,690
- 25405 · Martinsburg, WV $1,510$2,090
- 25413 · Martinsburg, WV $1,310$1,810
- 25419 · Martinsburg, WV $1,180$1,630
- 25420 · Martinsburg, WV $1,340$1,810
- 25421 · Martinsburg, WV $1,220$1,690
- 25427 · Martinsburg, WV $1,210$1,650
- 25427 · Morgan County, WV $1,210$1,650
- 25428 · Martinsburg, WV $1,350$1,870
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Berkeley County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in West Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
48%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
12,241 households rent in Berkeley County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 52%
Compared with the state and the country
- Berkeley 48%
- West Virginia 49%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Berkeley County
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Berkeley County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 19
- HUD-assisted
- 7
- public housing
- 1
2,307 homes in all; 2,191 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Martinsburg Housing Public housing 300 Silver Ln, Martinsburg 25401 327 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of the City of Martinsburg · Average payment: $369 a month · Average wait: 27 months · (304) 263-8891
- WV Panhandle Portfolio Tax credit (LIHTC) 45 Abbington Ct, Bunker Hill 25413 305 low-income homes · 1 bd: 197 · 2 bd: 108 · In service since 2011 · For older adults, families
- Martin's Landing Apartment Homes and Timberleaf Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 2100 Martins Landing Cir, Martinsburg 25401 257 low-income homes · 2 bd: 102 · 3 bd: 101 · 4 bd: 54 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Martins Landing Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2101 Martins Landing Cir, Martinsburg 25401 164 low-income homes · 2 bd: 82 · 3 bd: 82 · In service since 1997
- Cottages of Martinsburg Tax credit (LIHTC) 17 Cottage Rd, Martinsburg 25404 120 low-income homes · 2 bd: 60 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 1997
- Capital Heights Townhouses HUD-assisted 16 Boarman Pl, Martinsburg 25401 110 low-income homes · For families · (304) 263-1801
- Senior Towers Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 200 E Stephen St, Martinsburg 25401 94 homes, 93 low-income · 1 bd: 93 · In service since 2011 · For older adults · (304) 263-0158
- Kings Daughters Court HUD-assisted 116 E King St, Martinsburg 25401 80 low-income homes · For older adults · (304) 263-3325
- Berkeley Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 154 Jennings Dr, Martinsburg 25404 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 64 · In service since 1999
- Polo Greene Town Homes Tax credit (LIHTC) 10 Worthy Dr, Martinsburg 25401 64 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1998
- Roberts Gardens Tax credit (LIHTC) 406 Roberts DR, Martinsburg 25404 64 low-income homes · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 43 · In service since 1998
- Baker Heights Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 85 Megan St, Kearneysville 25430 56 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Timberleaf Estates Tax credit (LIHTC) 203 Timberleaf Ln, Martinsburg 25401 54 low-income homes · 4 bd: 54 · In service since 1998
- Oak Tree Village HUD-assisted 318 Garden Drive, Martinsburg 25404 132 homes, 51 low-income · For families · (304) 263-8854
- Washington Mews Tax credit (LIHTC) 216 Forbes Dr, Martinsburg 25404 50 low-income homes · 1 bd: 45 · 2 bd: 5 · In service since 1999
- Franklin Manor HUD-assisted 700 W Burke St, Martinsburg 25401 48 low-income homes · For families · (304) 263-2300
- Woodbury Corners Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Woodbury Ave, Martinsburg 25404 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 1992
- Joshua Gardens Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 214 Joshua Dr, Martinsburg 25404 46 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2002 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families
- Lindsey Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 11 Advantage Dr, Martinsburg 25404 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 1992
- Martins Landing II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2100 Martins Landing Cir, Martinsburg 25401 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 1997
- Marlowe Garden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 65 Bowie Dr, Falling Waters 25419 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 1993
- Wesley Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 75 Jennings Dr, Martinsburg 25404 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · In service since 1992
- Nar Roberts, Jr. HUD-assisted 91 Tavern Rd, Martinsburg 25401 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (304) 263-8954, ext. 137
- Hoffmaster Houses HUD-assisted 323 Lutz Ave, Martinsburg 25404 14 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities · (304) 263-8954
- High Street Tax credit (LIHTC) 621 N High St, Martinsburg 25404 2 low-income homes · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 1995
- Baker Heights II Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 85 Megan St, Kearneysville 25430 32 homes
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Berkeley County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Berkeley County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
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Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
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If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
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When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
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Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $20,250 | $33,750 | $54,000 |
| 2 people | $23,150 | $38,600 | $61,700 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,400 | $69,400 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,200 | $77,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,100 | $83,300 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $55,950 | $89,450 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $59,800 | $95,650 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $63,650 | $101,800 |
Area median income: $96,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Martinsburg, WV HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $796 – $972
- 1 bedroom $854 – $1,044
- 2 bedrooms $1,094 – $1,337
- 3 bedrooms $1,514 – $1,850
- 4 bedrooms $1,722 – $2,104
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Housing Authority of the City of Martinsburg Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 348 vouchers · 327 public housing units (304) 263-8891 Housing Authority of the City of Martinsburg: info@martinsburgha.org
Housing agencies in West Virginia Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in West Virginia
What West Virginia law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
Compare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
Help
Where to get help with rent in Berkeley County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Berkeley County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Telamon Corporation - Martinsburg Branch
67 Aikens Ctr, Martinsburg · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 9 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Berkeley County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in West Virginia, the average home bill was $155 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,430
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,215
- Security deposit
- $1,215
- Total
- $2,430
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Berkeley County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $884; 1 bedroom: $949; 2 bedrooms: $1,215; 3 bedrooms: $1,682; 4 bedrooms: $1,913. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Berkeley County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,215) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.37 an hour full time, or $48,600 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Berkeley County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,200 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Berkeley County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,094 and $1,337 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Berkeley County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,110 in 25401 to $1,510 in 25405. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Berkeley County?
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Berkeley County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Berkeley County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Berkeley County, 48% of renter households are in that position; in West Virginia, 49%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).